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Playing Hooky Ocean/Sound Views! Pool/Hot tub Game rm PETS allowed 4x4 beach

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Secluded - Playing Hooky.
Beach
Front view
Aerial View
Front view looking west

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms5+ bathroomsSleeps 102576 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Private pool
  • Hot tub on site
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washer/dryer
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Carova, NC
  • Place, Corolla Beach
  • Place, Virginia Beach Boardwalk
  • Place, Sandbridge Beach

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

Bedroom 4

1 King Bed

Bedroom 5

2 Single Beds and 1 Double Bed

5 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Outdoor shower

Bathroom 3

Toilet

Bathroom 4

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 5

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 6

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Kitchenette

About this property

Playing Hooky Ocean/Sound Views! Pool/Hot tub Game rm PETS allowed 4x4 beach

Come Play Hooky...
Transport back to childhood when the thrill of getting away from your responsibilities could be as simple as ‘playing hooky’. Feel your shoulders drop as soon as you leave the hard road to drive on the 4x4 beach right next to the gorgeous, blue ocean.

A Four Wheel Drive Vehicle is Required- Delight in the experience of driving where there are no hard roads! Three night stays are available in the fall.

Playing Hooky boasts all the amenities you can think of, for the relaxation and enjoyment of all ages. The game room, located on the entry level, has a pool table, kitchenette, flat screen tv with speaker system, pub table and chairs, full bath and a large, comfortable seating area for entertaining. A duo bunk and twin bedroom on this level is perfect for the kids retreat, or a 4 person family. Outside is the huge heatable pool (fee) with picnic table and lounge chairs as well as a cabana bath and outside shower.

The laundry room and three bedrooms are on the next floor: one is a king with a private bath, the other two are kings with a shared bath. All upper and mid level bedrooms are equipped with every comfort including SmarTvs. Step outside for the cool ocean breeze on the screened porch, which overlooks the pool and has a 6 person hot tub and dining table. Sip a frosty beverage while watching the spectacular evening sky, or watch the children swimming in the pool below. The hot tub's location in the screened porch means no annoyance from flying pests while you soak.

Unwind as you top the stairs of the upper level. The lovely leather furniture, half bath and comfortable spaces are outdone only by the stunning ocean views. The fifth bedroom, a queen bedroom with private bath is also located on this level. Just past the island with seating for three is the well-equipped kitchen, with everything you will need to create a delicious meal. Nice quality flatware and place settings will create a beautiful table for 12.

Through the dining area is the bright and inviting sun-room equipped with card table and upholstered chaise for your lounging pleasure. Step through the sun-room to the west onto a wonderful sun deck with views of the Currituck Sound. Step through the sun-room to the east for spectacular ocean views and decking with outdoor seating and access to another level of decking above, the crow’s nest deck located on the roof. Take your favorite cool beverages to the crow’s nest and let all your cares blow away as you enjoy the spectacular sunsets from the built in seating. Look to the south for a view of the Currituck Lighthouse beacon and the Fourth of July fireworks at Heritage Park. Come and Play Hooky for a thoroughly relaxing retreat, and let this wonderful home free you from all of your cares.

Inventory for Playing Hooky:
• Pool table
• Game room w/ second frig, wet bar, huge smartv with quality speaker. Seating for 10.
• Leather sofa and love seat
• Cabana Bath
• Hot Tub located inside the screened porch
• Sun room right off kitchen for private moments
• Fully stocked kitchen
• Iron and ironing board
• Heatable pool ( for a fee)
• Wireless internet service
• Central heat and air
• Dishwasher, microwave
• Washer/Dryer
• Outdoor Furniture
• Outdoor Shower
• Gas Grill
• Five beach chairs


Saturday Check in - 4 wheel drive vehicle required - Sheets and towels available for a fee - approximately 3 miles up the 4x4 beach - Two dogs considered depending on age, weight and breed. There is a per pet fee and a refundable security deposit. No cats - HEAT-ABLE Pool for a fee if the calendar is open, but dependent on rental schedules. Parking at the house is free and unlimited. Guests will use the two season passes that belong to the house for parking on the beach No graduation groups or events are allowed in any of the houses offered by Carova Cottages.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

About the area

Corolla

Located in Corolla, this holiday home is near the beach. Whalehead and Wild Horse Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Currituck National Wildlife Refuge and Corolla Raceway. Travelling with kids? Consider Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education and Corolla Adventure Golf and Bumper Cars. Scuba diving, snorkelling and windsurfing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hunting nearby.
Map
Carova, NC

What's nearby

  • Currituck National Wildlife Refuge - 18 min walk - 1.5 km

Getting around

  • Norfolk, VA (ORF-Norfolk Intl.) - 156 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Northern Lights Bakery - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪Uncle Ike's Sandbar & Grill - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪The Beer Garden - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪Corolla Pizza & Deli - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Salty Rim - ‬26 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Playing Hooky Ocean/Sound Views! Pool/Hot tub Game rm PETS allowed 4x4 beach have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Playing Hooky Ocean/Sound Views! Pool/Hot tub Game rm PETS allowed 4x4 beach?

As of 9 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Playing Hooky Ocean/Sound Views! Pool/Hot tub Game rm PETS allowed 4x4 beach on 1 Aug 2026 start from £608, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Playing Hooky Ocean/Sound Views! Pool/Hot tub Game rm PETS allowed 4x4 beach pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Playing Hooky Ocean/Sound Views! Pool/Hot tub Game rm PETS allowed 4x4 beach?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Playing Hooky Ocean/Sound Views! Pool/Hot tub Game rm PETS allowed 4x4 beach?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Playing Hooky Ocean/Sound Views! Pool/Hot tub Game rm PETS allowed 4x4 beach located?

This family-friendly Corolla holiday home is located near the beach, within 1 mi (2 km) of Currituck National Wildlife Refuge and Outer Banks Beaches. Estuarine Nature Walk is 1.2 mi (1.9 km) away.

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 56 out of 73 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 73 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 73 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 73 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 73 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an amazing time and it was super nice that it was pet friendly and the heated pool.
Stayed 13 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Sept 2025
The heated pool sure makes those iffy September weeks easy!! So glad you enjoyed your stay and we hope you'll come again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Zai P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was great, everything was clean and the house is super cozy, we definitely love our staying in, you can even see wild horses from the deck, also Laura was so nice, love it!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Sept 2025
Love your review!! :-) Hope you all will come again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stacy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful vacation

We had a great time on vacation. Property was nice and comfortable for the family.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Jun 2022
Thanks so much. We're so glad you enjoyed your time Playing Hooky ;-)
Verified

8/10 Good

Stacy B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good time

We had a great time staying here.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Jul 2023
Thanks, and we hope you will come in 2024 to make it year THREE!
Verified

8/10 Good

mike m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice house

We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Sept 2022
You are right, Playing Hooky is a nice house!! Glad you had a good time! Thanks for your review.
Verified

8/10 Good

Oksana Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great vacation spot

We enjoyed our stay very much Great location! place had everything you need! Just relax and enjoy the experience
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Oct 2021
Perfect weather too!! So glad you liked Playing Hooky! ;-)
Verified

8/10 Good

Dugersuren A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Vacation

Overall great place to have family vacation. Host was very responsive. I recommend the place.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Jul 2023
We hope you enjoyed your vacation at Playing Hooky. Thank you for your nice review!!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brenda C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Vacation

We had a great time and made lots of wonderful memories!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Aug 2023
So glad you all enjoyed your stay. You and the pups are welcome back ANYTIME! Hope you will consider it! :-)
Verified

6/10 Okay

Rachel D.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Had a great family vacation!

We have rented many places and the appeal of this place comes from the wild horses that came on to the property several days of the trip. Our evenings on the upper deck and our short drives to the beach we’re our favorite parts of this stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept 2022
I'm glad you enjoyed your time here in Carova. The horses are a spectacle for sure. It's pretty certain that you'll see them at least a couple of times during a week stay. After you live here for a while, you kinda get used to them, so it is nice to be reminded of how special this place really is!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cole J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

perfect location

we had 8 adults and house worked really well for us. the location was ideal. great views and very clean, and if you have any issues Laura will take care of it, as she did for us. GREAT property manager.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Sept 2024
So nice that you all had a good stay. Your kind words are much appreciated. :-)
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Philippe D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Beach House

Playing Hooky is an ideal place for families to enjoy Carova Beach. Everything was super clean. Kids loved the pool and hot tub. Internet connection is excellent so you can stream and even work from here.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Oct 2022
Playing Hooky does offer an excellent vacation!! The huge pool makes it easy with kids, particularly since there is a cabana bath!! The internet is one of the more reliable since it is a satellite system and does not require a landline for connection. So glad you found us and please come again!!
Verified

8/10 Good

Chris R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet Getaway

Great, relaxing view from the crow's nest. House is as described online. Walking distance to beach.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Jun 2022
That crows nest is a crowd favorite. The VIEWS up there are amazing of both Currituck Sound and Atlantic Ocean. It is a happy spot!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eric P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved Playing Hookey!

The house was wonderful. Lots of space inside, well appointed both inside and out. Great outside spaces, lots of decks and nice pool. Highly recommended.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Jul 2022
What a great house.. and yes, nice spaces both inside and out. <3
Verified

8/10 Good

Jennifer S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Playing hooky

Nice location and beautiful views. There were some issues but the property manager was quick to respond.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jul 2024
Thanks so much for your review. Playing Hooky has a nice high lot so the views to the ocean AND sound are pretty great. See sunrises AND sunsets!! Glad we got you all fixed up. Please come again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kyde K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great week with family

Due to the secluded located of this property, we didnt leave the house as much as if we had stayed in KDH or OBX. The house had everyone we needed and more. Laura (property manager) got us in early and was instantly responsive to any concerns or needs that we had.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Jul 2025
Thanks so much for your nice review. GREAT that we could get you in a little early. Sometimes all the jobs are done early and that means vacation can start a little early!! :-)
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charla B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Love love love OBX!

Playing hooky was perfect for our family of 9! We saw horses every day, short truck ride to beach (walked some days). Comfy beds, great views, loved the crows nest! Laura was super awesome!! DEFINITELY recommend booking thru her!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Sept 2022
Thanks for your nice words. We are so glad you had a good stay at Playing Hooky! What a great house!! The owners have been hard at work keeping it up to date!! That crow's nest is a favorite spot for sunsets! Or if you are an early bird, the sunrise is pretty spectacular from that spot. Hope you will come again!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Randy W.

Whalen

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We had a fantastic time. The home is beautiful.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Sept 2023
We are so glad you liked Playing Hooky!! :-) That name brings up memories of stealing days from school to have a lazy day off from life and it's requirements. I hope you got a little of that during your week there. I bet it was easy to conjure with the ocean just over the dune, and the sunset just over the sound. Life is good!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Douglas H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

July2-8,2022

We enjoyed our stay at Playing Hooky. Kitchen was very well stocked with plenty of room for 9. Laura was always quick to respond to our texts.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jul 2022
Hooky has great spaces and plenty of room for nine. The layout makes it easy to hide if you want to!! ;-) I love the screened porch with hot tub and table for cards!! Late night poker and hot tub!!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Bill D.

A great time Playing Hooky

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We really enjoyed our stay at Playing Hooky, wonderful vacation house with a ton of space and play areas, very easy walk to the beach as well.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Mar 2020
You are right, Playing Hooky really has quite a few nice spaces. The game room is a nice gathering spot, and large enough for MANY people to relax or play pool, or watch a movie, or play a game. Outside in the screened porch (with hot tub) is a big table for games or poker night. Pong anyone? I like the sun-room table for puzzles! The outside rockers spread throughout the decks are so comfy, you can sit and watch the ocean for hours. The roof deck/crow's nest at sunset offers a spectacular sight over the sound. We would love to have you come back to enjoy all those spaces again! :-) THANKS for the nice review!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Gennene P.

August 2024

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Playing Hookey was a very nice place to stay on our vacation. We loved the pool was to the side of the house and in the sun the entire day.
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Nov 2024
So glad you enjoyed your stay. The pool area at Playing Hooky is huge!! And the southern exposure makes it usable all day AND NIGHT! Hot tub on level two overlooking the pool means privacy for the hot tub and since it's in the screened porch, there are no bugs to bother you during a soak! PLUS you can still see the sunset from that hot tub since it is on the southwestern edge of the screened porch. All around, great planning for the pool and hot tub!!
Verified

8/10 Good

Amber F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Location

We loved our stay at playing hooky! The location was perfect for our family vacation. The home itself was well stocked and comfortable and the views from the decks and crow's nest were breathtaking. We saw horses every day, sometimes right in the yard! It's just a short drive to the ocean for a day on the beach and we also enjoyed spending time by the pool. Groceries/Restaurants etc. are a bit of a drive - but not inconvenient by any means. Highly recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Oct 2021
We are so glad you enjoyed "PLAYING HOOKY"! It has nice spaces for gathering but also enough alternate spaces that you can get "lost" if you want to ;-) The crow's nest is a favorite spot for the end of day sunset. Or beginning day coffee. THANKS and hope you will come again.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Andrea Z.

Summer Vacation

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: It was the best week ever! The horses came almost every day, the house was awesome, had everything! The management company went above and beyond our expectations, we will definitely be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Mar 2020
THANKS so much for your nice review!! So glad you had a great time and we look forward to having you return!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deborah K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

4x4 Heaven!

What a blast when the only way to your home is in a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Reaching your destination, (2.7 miles on the sand) is a huge adventure as you cruise parallel to the beautiful ocean with statuesque horses calmly grazing about alongside their family! Truly a gift!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Jul 2022
So nice that you have reminded me of the pleasures of Carova. Sometimes I forget. It's kinda like living next to a big beautiful mountain, after a while, you just take it for granted. SO nice to see it with fresh eyes. Thank you!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Steven and Betty M. M.

Playing Hookey

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Had a wonderful time...weather at the beginning was stormy but enjoyed family time then the last of the vaca was on to the beach. Plenty of horses, sun and sand. House was great with lots of activities and amenities.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Jun 2020
THANKS so much for your nice review. We were worried for those first two days... it was looking like it was going to rain FOREVER!! Thankfully, the clouds broke and the sun peeked out. Smooth sailing from then on! Thanks for your attention to the house upon checkout. We really appreciate it when folks take the time to lessen their impact! It was obvious that you cared for the house as if it were your own. :-)
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Diana D.

Playing Hooky was fantastic peaceful and clean

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We had an amazing time at OBX. Laura and their rental team was wonderful to deal with. We had a couple minor issues but they were on the scene with assistance within minutes of my call. We look forward to going back and using their rental services again next year. The home was very clean one of the cleanest I've stayed in.
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Jul 2023
Thanks so much Diana. We are so glad you enjoyed your stay. And we have you all signed up for next year. Hope you can hold on for 51 weeks!! lol

About the host

Hosted by Owner/Manager David and Laura James

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